A curve has equation y = 7 - 2x^5. a) Find dy/dx. b) Find an equation for the tangent to the curve at the point where x=1.

a) The derivative dy/dx of the equation is: dy/dx = -10x4. If you don't remember this, revise Power Rule for derivatives.b) The equation of a line is given by y = mx + q. To find the tangent line at a point, we need: 1) Find the slope of the line by substituting that point in the equation of the derivative m = dy/dx (x=1) = -10. 2) Solve the system between the curve and the line at x=1 to find q. We find q=15. The equation of the line is therefore: y = -10x + 15

GC
Answered by Gianpiero C. Maths tutor

7780 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you find the gradient of a line?


A ball is thrown in the air. The height of the ball at time t is given by: h=5+4t-2t^2. What is its maximum height? At what time does the ball reach this height?


Express cos2x in the form a*cos^2(x) + b and hence show that the integral of cos^2(x) between 0 and pi/2 is equal to pi/a.


integrate x^2 + ln(x)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning